Terrorist organisations featured in the play
Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigade (AAB)
Al Aqsa Martyrs Brigade began as the military section of Yassar Arafat’s political party (al Fatah or Palestinian Authority). Formed in 2001 following the outbreak of the second intifada and is partly financed by al Fatah. The group follows the ideology of secular Palestinian nationalism. Following clashes with Hamas in 2007, many Brigade members were killed or fled from Gaza. Since 2007, the group’s activities have usually been in conjunction with other militant Palestinian groups.
Kurdish Workers Party (PKK)
The PKK was established in 1978 adopting Communism as its ideology and campaigning for the creation of a separate Kurdish state in Turkey. From 1984 the Kurdish Workers Party began attacks on Turkish security forces. The campaign was intensified in the 1990s. During this period, extended attacks from the south-east of Turkey to the west. When Ocalan was captured by Turkish security forces in early 1999, it is estimated that 30 000 to 40 000 people (mainly civilians) has been killed as a result of Kurdish Workers Party attacks. A ceasefire was declared between the Kurdish Workers Party and the Turkish government following Ocalan’s arrest. This ceasefire did not last: the Kurdish Workers Party resumed its attacks in mid-2004.
Ulster Volunteer Force (UVF)
Ulster Volunteer Force was formed in 1966 as a loyalist paramilitary group in Northern Ireland. The majority Protestant group carried out attacks such as bombings and assassinations on the Irish Republican Army. The ceasefire declared in 1994 has largely remained intact despite some breaches.
National Resistance Army (NRA)
Idi Amin was removed from power in 1978 when Museveni began attacking Milton Obote’s regime using guerrilla warfare and Museveni took control of Uganda in 1986. Conflict in Northern Uganda continued as the Lord’s Resistance Army continued to attack the government and the National Resistance Army. The National Resistance Army used child soldiers in their ranks.
Irish Republican Army (IRA)
The Provisional Irish Republican Army formed following a division within the Irish Republican Army in the late 1960s. The majority Catholic group was involved in conflict with British armed forces and the Ulster Volunteer Force in an attempt to force Great Britain to relinquish control over Northern Ireland. Members of the Irish Republican Army believed the Northern Ireland should become a republic free from British control.